Indicted Megaupload founder plans site reboot

By Nick Perry
Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 10 2012 12:00 a.m. MDT

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2012 file photo, Kim Dotcom, the founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload, comments after he was granted bail and released in Auckland, New Zealand. In a move bound to provoke U.S. prosecutors and entertainment executives, indicted Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom is planning to offer a new online music service and a replacement of his shuttered website by year’s end. (New Zealand Herald, Brett Phibbs, File) NEW ZEALAND OUT, AUSTRALIA OUT, Associated Press)

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Indicted Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom is planning to launch a replacement of his shuttered website and a new online music service by year's end. It's a move that's bound to provoke U.S. prosecutors and entertainment executives.

The file-sharing site was one of the most popular online sites before U.S. prosecutors shut it down and filed racketeering charges against Dotcom and six other Megaupload principals in January.

U.S. authorities are now trying to extradite Dotcom from New Zealand. He says he can't be held responsible for users who acted illegally and that Megaupload removed links to pirated material when asked.

The flamboyant Dotcom confirms he's almost completed work on "new Mega" and "Megabox" but wouldn't divulge details. His tweets and a promotional video, however, paint a picture of what he's planning.